Potential of a no-touch pincer ablation procedure for small hepatocellular carcinoma that uses a multipolar radiofrequency ablation system: An experimental animal study

Aim Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma located on the liver surface is frequently difficult because direct puncture of the tumor must be avoided during needle insertion. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of a no‐touch pincer ablation procedure that uses a multipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system for a tumor located on the liver surface. Methods The experimental animals were three pigs, and RFA was performed with two internally cooled bipolar electrodes. Three ablative procedures were compared: linear insertion at regular 13‐mm intervals (pattern 1; virtual target tumor size,